There's loads of benefits

Study whilst gaining valuable experience

With flexible working hours and 26 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays), an apprenticeship with Karbon offers successful candidates the chance to study whilst gaining valuable experience and contributing to the success of a fast-paced, organisation that is constantly growing and changing.  

To deliver our latest programme we are working with two of the most established further education colleges in the region: Gateshead College, New College Durham and East Durham College.

An apprenticeship is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity

In line with our vision to help customers lead successful, independent lives, it felt only right that these apprenticeship opportunities should be kept for the people we’re constantly striving to support, those living in our homes.

Our intakes of apprentices over previous years illustrate the diverse range of reasons why an apprenticeship is a great next step for residents of ALL ages.

From those who are just starting out in work, to those who have been trying to get back in to work after a break and even those who wanted to re-train and pursue a new career, the programme offers something for everyone.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The starting salary varies depending on age, and we have made the decision to pay well above the national apprenticeship minimum wage and as a minimum in line with national living wage to ensure success candidates won’t be negatively impacted financially by becoming an apprentice.

Age 16 - 18 - £13,338.56 per annum

Age 19 - 24 - £16,009.85 per annum

Age 25+ - £17,070.77 per annum

As apprentices move through their qualification there will be opportunities for salary increase with progression.

Yes.

To us, an apprenticeship is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity. This is why we have made the decision to make positions available exclusively for Karbon and Byker Community Trust customers and their households.

As an organisation that strives to provide people with the strong foundations they need to fulfil their potential, it felt only right that these opportunities should be given to the people we’re constantly striving to support, those in our households.

To support the recruitment of the new apprentices, Karbon’s Foundations for Life team will be facilitating a number of apprenticeship recruitment events soon.

More details will follow.

 

 

One of the Foundations for Life team will get in touch with you. They will work with you to ensure you have all your CV up to date, you complete all the pre-apprenticeship checks such as English & Maths levels, Right to Work documents, etc.

When the roles are released, they will support you to make the application form, and get you interview ready.

Sonia's story

Sonia secured a Customer and Community Engagement apprentice position with Karbon in 2019, and is studying for a Business Admin qualification at Derwentside College.

“Being over 40, apprenticeships aren’t always that accessible and funding isn’t always available, so when I heard about the apprenticeship with Karbon I saw it as an opportunity to enhance my skills, and learn something new whilst in employment.

“So far it’s been wonderful, I’m learning something new everyday, and I’ve been able to apply and develop the skills from my background to the skills I’m learning here. The team I’m working with have made the transitions very natural, very easy, and I’m loving it.”

Jessica's story

Jessica Connelly, who joined Karbon as a Customer Relationship Advisor Apprentice, saw an apprenticeship as a chance to move into a new career, which she had previously found difficult due to the fact she was a full-time mum with limited work experience.

“Because I’m a full time mum, I’ve always found it difficult to find a job which offers a good work life balance. As Karbon provides colleagues with support and a foundation to build the life you want to build, they’ve made a career change possible for me and my family.

“So far the apprenticeship has been great and the team have been so welcoming and supportive, it really feels like I’m settling in to a family.

“I’ve found that being a Karbon tenant has been a real advantage. I’ve been that person calling up with queries, so I feel like I can relate to them on that level. I know the service that I would want to receive so I feel confident I can delivery that service to the residents who ring in.”

Abbey's story

Abbey is a Retirement Living Housing Assistant at Karbon Homes and secured her current position with Karbon after completing a business administration apprenticeship with the organisation.

“To anyone thinking about taking the apprenticeship route, I would definitely recommend it. There’s nothing to lose but so much to gain. As well as getting a qualification you are earning, and by surrounding yourself with really experienced people who you can learn a lot from, you are building your skills and confidence massively.

“What I’ve loved the most about taking the apprenticeship route is that it has opened so many doors for me, and by working for a large organisation like Karbon, that offers so much encouragement and support whilst you’re training, you’re really setting yourself up for a great career.”

Mary-Leigh's story

Communications and Marketing apprentice, Mary-Leigh Watkins, wanted to find a job in the creative sector. She shares how she is finding life at Karbon working in the Communications and Marketing team as a Junior Content Creator

"After six years working in the hospitality environment I felt it was time for a new adventure, and that's when I came across the opportunity with Karbon. Being a Karbon customer myself, it's helpful to see first-hand how communications content is pulled together, created and then distributed to customers, and as a junior content creator, it's great to have an input as well as learning the role from other members of the team.

"I was excited about the new role but was nervous at the same time as I'd never worked in an office environment. However, the team couldn't have been more welcoming and supportive and I'm learn a lot here to start my career as a content creator."